Lynn S 6092

See it if you want a show with fantastic singing, acting, and dancing.

Don't see it if you are bothered by a show that can’t resolve its seeming acceptance of spousal abuse.

Also Everyone wondered how this show would deal with the fact that its lead character hit his wife and she accepts, forgives, and stays with him. The answer is, they don’t really address it. I guess that it’s realistic, and I don’t think we have to rewrite the classics, but I’m still conflicted. Apart from that .... great singing from all involved and it’s lovely to hear that orchestra! The dancing is great, though sometimes goes on too long. I miss having a carousel, too, though their “carousel” was creative. I have to single out Josh Henry’s passion, heartbreak, and amazing singing. And Renée Fleming was the best Nettie I’ve ever seen. It made me wonder about her backstory and connection to Julie. Excellent portrayal, and of course, her singing was flawless. I had tears streaming down my face on three different occasions. Bring Kleenex!... Read more Read less

See it if You’re a fan of the film, if you are in that youth demographic, or if you’re a fan of Tina Fey.

Don't see it if You like shows with more nuanced characters, more memorable songs, and shorter seat time.

Also Some of the songs were great, but not enough of them were. The characters are archetypes, but most were hard to care about.... Read more Read less

See it if Entertaining for kids.

Don't see it if you want a trim, swiftly-moving show.

Also Much of the new material seemed designed to just stretch out the show. It could have been half an hour shorter.... Read more Read less

See it if your recipe for theatre includes 1) a masterful Sondheim score sung by talented performers, 2) immersive, engaging staging, 3) great pie!

Don't see it if you are frightened easily. This one is kind of bloody and intense!

Also Having seen the original Sweeney Todd in its huge factory setting, I was surprised by how well the show works in this reduced space. The characters doubled and tripled up on roles brilliantly. No false notes from any performers. Sitting up close provides the optimal experience as wigmakers check your blondeness, elixir pushers pat your bald head, or angry Sweeney shoves you over to sit at your table. An unforgettable evening of theatre!... Read more Read less

See it if you want to take your kids to a show, are a fan of the cartoon, like colorful and clever staging, or just want to escape.

Don't see it if you want something with a little more substance when you see a show.

Also I went based on recommendations and reviews. True, I'd never seen the cartoon, but I was told that wouldn't matter. The staging was colorful and clever, but I was kind of yawning from start to finish during this over-the-top production, except, perhaps, during Gavin Lee's 11:00 tap number which brought down the house. It's probably my age showing, but this just wasn't my thing.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to be immersed in another world with characters and music that will haunt you for days after.

Don't see it if you go to shows for flash and effects or you need lots of action. The action is interior.

Also I didn't know what to expect going in, but I was so drawn into the world of The Band's Visit, that I had to see it a second time in the same week. David Yazbek's score is gorgeous and romantic and I can't get it out of my head even two weeks later. I keep thinking how important it is for us to remember that despite cultural differences, we all have longings and heartbreaks, and near misses, and insecurities. If we can put politics aside and look at others as fellow humans, our world would be so much better. The show is a reminder that music and kindness cross all borders, no walls needed.... Read more Read less

See it if you love storytelling and joyous singing in a fabulous setting.

Don't see it if it bothers you that the story seems to advocate for the sacrifice of dark-skinned people to save light-skinned ones.

See it if You want to be amazed by spectacle or are a fan of the movie.

Don't see it if The story of another Disney character losing a parent is too upsetting for you. Seriously, see it anyway.

Also The puppetry is breathtaking! The Circle of Life gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.... Read more Read less

See it if You love magic and spectacle, along with a twist on a traditional tale. You are into stories about female empowerment.

Don't see it if Strong female characters don't interest you.

See it if You love witty, dark shows with clever performances and splashy dancing.

Don't see it if You don't care for shows with a lot of dance.

See it if You are a Carole King fan or like stories about female empowerment. You love the music of the 60s & 70s. You want a safe, but good choice.

Don't see it if You are a misogynist? You hate pop music?

Also I expected this to be a bland jukebox musical, but the storyline was engrossing and the score is amazing! It's hard not to sing along to all the great hits in this show.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to be both moved and entertained, and believe that people have the right to be who they are, not conform to societal expectations.

Don't see it if You are threatened by seeing strong, sympathetic portrayals of non-heterosexual characters.

See it if You love stage magic and spectacle.

Don't see it if You want to care about any of the characters in the show.

See it if You like edgy, intellectual shows with lots of audience interaction. You want to eat pierogies and shake an egg.

Don't see it if Keeping up with multiple characters, & Russian social conventions is a bit too much for you, or if you like things a bit more conventional.

See it if You were a fan of the film and want to see how they manage to transform it for stage.

Don't see it if You want to still be thinking about the show a day after seeing it.

Also Some of the tricks (such as the goldfish) used to bring the movie to life were very clever, and there's no doubt Pippa Soo has the voice and waif quality for this role, but ultimately, the show is a let-down.... Read more Read less

See it if You were a fan of the movie or of dark comedy. Also, if you love really inventive, dazzling staging.

Don't see it if You want a too-faithful adherence to the movie and want to see a Bill Murrayesque performance.

Also Andy Karl is a treasure and his energetic performance deserves the praise it's been given. Some of the rest of the show is weak, although the music has grown on me.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in teen problems and the impact of social media in today's world. You enjoy shows about parent-child relationships.

Don't see it if You don't have waterproof mascara.

Also The show is intense, and a guaranteed tear-jerker. I cried throughout, particularly during So Big, So Small (Rachel Bay Jones' heartbreaker about her feelings of failure as a parent). I'm in the minority in feeling some of the performances were a bit calculated in their tics. And maybe being older accounts for why I was somewhat frustrated by the choices being made by some of the characters. Teen suicide and social anxiety are huge problems, but I would have liked more understanding about what drove one character to kill himself. Maybe the point was, the family would never really know? I have mixed feelings. I love the score, respect the message, admire the performances, but it's still not something I would want to see a second time.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to feel better about mankind and the world, or if you refuse to give up hope even in dire circumstances.

Don't see it if You prefer darkly dramatic work or if you just can't get past the idea of an uplifting musical set in the aftermath of 9/11.

Also I was dubious about the subject matter, but heard so many great things about the show, I took a chance and bought a ticket during my visit to NYC. Loved it so much, I rushed for tickets to see it a second time that week. Since I get to NY only once or twice a year, that was a big commitment for me. The show also has one of the most compassionate, bonded, caring companies I've seen, befitting the message of the show. I laughed, I cried, I bought the t-shirt, I loved everything about Come from Away.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to experience the pure joy of theatre: the perfect marriage of music, performances, sets, costumes, and yes, personality.

Don't see it if You prefer to be dour and cynical.

See it if You enjoy tuneful, romantic, and old-fashioned (in the best sense) musicals about everyday people searching for love in a chilly world.

Don't see it if You are looking for glitz and edginess.

See it if You enjoy music influenced by bluegrass and folk elements, and like stories that are sentimental and from the heart.

Don't see it if You are a hard-to-touch cynic.

See it if You are a sucker for talented kids and a show that is nonstop energy.

Don't see it if Your ears are sensitive to loud music.

See it if You are a fan of satire and zany musicals.

Don't see it if You aren't up on other musicals, as you may miss the many inside jokes and references scattered throughout.

Also Over time I have come more and more to appreciate the zany comedy and heart of this musical. There are so few shows that can keep you laughing all the way through, but this one does.... Read more Read less

See it if You are interested in well-acted drama (but also very funny in parts) that is rooted in real-world, tragic events.

Don't see it if You don't really care about what goes on in other parts of the world.

See it if You want to see amazing women bring down the house through powerful vocals.

Don't see it if Stories about God and faith don't appeal.

See it if You appreciate satire.

Don't see it if You are easily offended by satire and explicit language.

See it if You are open to a groundbreaking new approach to theatre, or if you are interested in history.

Don't see it if you are just going because it's a smash hit, but you have no idea that some of it will not be traditional music-theater music.

See it if You want to see current Broadway legends pay tribute to past Broadway legends.

Don't see it if You have no interest in exploring issues of race and bigotry.

See it if you are fan of Sara Bareilles and appreciate great singing.

Don't see it if you want everything to be rainbows and happy endings.